The best *value* in LCD real estate is the 19". Then, maybe the 1650x1080 widescreens or the 20.1" UXGAs... 24" and 30"... while cool, are comparatively expensive.
You are wrong. The price is almost double the price of a 24 inch. The display area of a 30 inch is 153.79% of a 24 inch, far from double. 30 inch is 25.25 by 15.78 inch 24 inch is 20.4 by 12.7 inch
Both the Dell and the AAPL 30" screens are no good as screens to work with. Both have the same LCD panel, from LiteON. Luminance is a little bit "spotty" which is ok for gamers, but very eye-stressing if you do actual work. I've seen both and my opinion: bullshit. I strongly recommend getting 2x 20" or 23" instead !!!
I am not. 24 1920*1200=2304000 30 2560*1600=4096000 => ratio of 1,78 Maybe you (or the the owner of those) should invest in a new desk?
Apple Cinema 30's for a while these were the cheapest on the market until dell lower their price a bit http://www.apple.com/displays/